Page 107 - Keys to College Success

HOW CAN YOU DEFINE AND
maintain sexual boundaries?

Your success in school depends as much on making choices that maintain health
and safety—yours as well as those of others with whom you may be involved—as it
does on managing time. Some of those important choices will be in the realm of sexual
identity and activity.

Sexual Choices and Consequences

Sexual identity in the modern world incorporates heterosexuality and homosexuality
and goes beyond those designations into areas such as bisexuality and transgendered
persons. Many people see sexual identity as a continuum, with places for individuals
who don’t feel that they fit squarely into one particular category. How you
identify sexually is your personal business, as is what sexuality
means to you and the role it plays in your life.
However, the decisions you make go beyond the per-
sonal realm. Because sexual conduct can result in an
unexpected pregnancy or passing on sexually trans-
mitted infections (STIs), consequences can extend
for years and can affect both the people involved
in the act as well as their families. Analyze sex-
ual issues carefully. Look at potential effects of
your choices, determine what rewards hold
value for you, and consider what calculated
risks can move you safely toward those
rewards. Ask questions like the following:
■ Is this what I really want? Does it fit with
my values?
■ Do I feel ready or do I feel pressured? Does this
choice cause stress for me?
■ Is this the right person/moment/situation? Does my
partner truly care for me and not just for what we
might be doing? Will this enhance or damage our
emotional relationship?
■ Do I have what I need to prevent pregnancy and
exposure to STIs? If not, is having unprotected sex
worth taking the chance?
Using birth control is a choice that helps you decide when and if you want to be a
parent. However, it is not for everyone. For some, using birth control goes against reli-
gious or personal beliefs. Others may not use birth control because they are ready to
have children. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option. Consider cost, reliability,
comfort, and protection against STIs. Communicate with your partner, then make a
choice together. For more information, check your library, the Internet, or a bookstore;
talk to a doctor; or ask a counselor at the student health center. Key 3.6 describes
established methods, with effectiveness percentages and STI prevention based on
proper and regular use.

Protect Your Health

STIs spread through sexual contact, including intercourse or other sexual activity (oral
3 or anal) that involves contact with the genitals, and cause a wide variety of health
CHAPTER 70 issues. All STIs are highly contagious. The only birth control methods that offer protec-
tion are the male and female condoms (latex or polyurethane only), which prevent